Most imbalances in health that lead to illness can be addressed. Many can be substantially improved, while some can be completely restored to optimum function. But, prevention is paramount. Virtually every chronic illness is preceded by long-term disturbances in function that can be identified and effectively managed. Changing how the systems function can have a major impact on health. A Functional Nutritional Practitioner examines a wide array of available interventions and treatments, and customizes a plan that will have the most impact on the underlying cause of your illness.

Most physicians are trained to deal with acute care, such as treating a broken arm or responding to appendicitis. Conversely, a Functional Nutritional Practitioner (FNP) will spend time with you, listening to your histories, and evaluate and determine what genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are affecting your immediate and long-term health. Your FNP will address the underlying cause of your illness, not just the symptoms.

At McCarter Health Center, we will take a science-based healthcare approach that assesses and treats the underlying causes of the illness through individually customized therapies to restore health and improve function. Prior to the patient's initial visit, they will have completed a comprehensive questionnaire detailing events throughout their lifespan. Chronic disease or discomfort doesn't occur overnight, therefore we look at numerous circumstances that will play a factor in the patient's current health.

At McCarter Health Center, we commend you in being proactive in your overall health! We are confident that together we will determine the antecedents and triggers associated with your condition, and treat it accordingly with therapeutic nutrition

Why McCarter Health Center

Dr. Heather McCarter DC has been specializing in saliva hormone testing and advising patients nutritionally on various disease and syndromes over the past 5 years. Dr. Heather has been treating thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue, gluten intolerance, celiac disease, and hormone imbalances successfully one patient at a time. Clinical experience, patient individuality and a comprehensive approach allows for the underlying factors to be addressed and treated in a nutritional paradigm. In addition, Dr. Heather will be starting in a Masters of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition in 2010.

Dr. Justin McCarter DC, MSACN graduated with dual degrees: Doctorate of Chiropractic and Masters of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition, both in 2009. The M.S. in Applied Clinical Nutrition provided for a comprehensive professional education that focuses on nutrition and its application in prevention and disease management. Dr. Justin will take a functional approach to your past and present medical history, encompassing numerous factors that could trigger the patient's signs and symptoms. A patient-centered approach allows for a custom nutritional protocol that addresses the patient's individual needs.

Together, we believe that our extensive knowledge in nutrition and nutritional therapies, along with a comprehensive approach that takes into account the multiple variables that combine to form your chief complaint, gives McCarter Health Center an extensive arsenal to treat the actual causes of your symptoms. If you are seeking nutritional counseling for an underlying disease or syndrome, or are simply trying to improve your overall health, McCarter Health Center is confident we can help you in achieving true health as a positive vitality.

We strive to provide specialized and individualized care for every patient we treat. There are no "cookie-cutter" treatment protocols at McCarter Health Center. Each patient is examined and given a treatment protocol that is specific to that patients therapeutic needs and goals.